It is understandable that there are concerns about the academic school calendar being delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic and the nation-wide lockdown.
Candice Strydom, a parent, teacher and deputy principal at Cornerstone Christian Academy in Greenhills, said parents can help stimulate the minds of young ones so that they do not fall behind on their school work. Even children from disadvantaged backgrounds can keep up with some activities.
She explained that while some families do not have facilities such as Wi-fi or internet, they can improvise by using cutlery and bottle caps to teach Mathematics.
“For example, parents can ask their children how many caps are left if a certain number is added or subtracted,” Candice said. The indigenous game called Diketo – in which stones or marbles are thrown into a hole – could also help to improve hand-eye coordination, and stimulate the brain.
Asked about the academic calendar being disrupted, Candice said, “Yes, we are losing valuable time with learners, especially those in the Foundation Phase who are learning the basics”.
As a teacher, Candice is concerned about the way in which the delay and extended lockdown would impact them when they return to school.
“Learners have had such a long break. The question is whether they will remember what they were taught in the first term. Will we have to re-teach what we have already taught them?”
Despite the challenges, Candice remained hopeful that parents can be part of the solution. She suggested that parents use the daily educational television programmes to teach their children, and she recommended reading as a daily exercise.
“Amidst this negativity, parents can use this time to learn more about their children. They should read to them, and use the opportunity to bond with them,” Candice said.
What does the Department of Education say?
Since the announcement of the extended lockdown, the National Department of Basic Education and SABC have launched a multi-media learner support initiative under the banner: COVID-19 Learner Support, aimed at limiting the impact of the lockdown on the school calendar.
In a statement the Department said that the initiative is part of the broader efforts to prevent a total loss of the school year owing to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The programme commenced on 9 April and is being broadcast across three SABC TV channels and 13 radio stations, with online support.
According to Mathanzima Mweli, the Director General of the Department of Basic Education, “The series will provide curriculum support lessons to learners in Grades 10, 11 and 12, and Early Childhood Development (ECD). Some of the subjects covered include Maths, Physical Sciences, English FAL, Life Sciences and Accounting. A variety of African languages are also covered under the ECD basket.
“This initiative is also launched in anticipation of the mid-year exams due in June 2020. The campaign will be providing learners with relevant support material they need in order for them to walk into those exam rooms knowing they have received the support and information they need to tackle the exams with confidence.”
